Collective bargaining change means more work options for jail inmates

RACINE COUNTY — In the near future Racine County Jail inmates
could be used for more than just mowing medians because of changes
to collective bargaining.

For the past two years jail inmates have mowed medians on state
highways in the county. But union officials said it violated
collective bargaining agreements and the county has been limited on
what work inmates perform.

Now with Gov. Scott Walker’s collective bargaining changes going
into effect today, County Executive Jim Ladwig said inmates will be
able to perform more tasks such as landscaping, painting, and
shoveling sidewalks in the winter.

“We have a win-win when we use the inmates,” Ladwig said. “It
gives them a sense of value they are helping the community.” At the
same time, he said it will help the county maintain property that
has been neglected.

No inmates would be required to help with county work, but those
who do could receive reduced sentences, he said. Because of past
union grievances the county was not able to offer reduced
sentences. It was considered “compensation,” Ladwig said. But he
plans to reinstate it.

He plans to start using inmates for more county work in the next
few weeks. The use of inmates will not result in any public works
staff reductions, Ladwig said.

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